Shrinks on Third: Recent Episodes
Shrinks on Third
Progressive intersectional feminist podcast exploring psychology and social justice. Co-hosted by psychologists Cindy Ariel and Julie Mayer.
The one in which we delve into what it takes to survive in situations in which one is trapped and helpless. We focus today on the group of young boys who were trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand for over 2 weeks. Their survival tells us a lot about the power of community and positive thinking, among other things.
The first in our new series of episodes that cover Social Justice and Psychology in challenging times. In this episode we talk about the psychologically traumatizing effects of having someone you love suddenly taken away.
The one in which we delve deeper into faking illnesses and the issues of Munchausen's aka Factitious Disorder - a mental health disorder in which someone fakes their own (or someone else's) serious illness sometimes to a point of serious but unecessary surgeries on limbs and organs.
The one in which we look into the act and causes of Malingering - pretending to be sick for some monetary gain or another benefit like getting out of school or work.
The one in which we explain the current adult diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Differences along with its manifestations and the many ways it impacts people in adulthood.
The one in which we dive into what it means to be a Sociopath - alternatively known more clinically as someone with Anti Social Personality Disorder. We also distinguish between sociopaths and psychopaths - both of whom are uncaring and can be quite scary in different ways.
The one in which we discuss the intense thoughts, flashbacks and troublesome memories people can suffer after trauma- and the many other sign and symptoms of PTSD.
The one in which we ponder whether or not people are talking about us behind our backs or are in some way out to get us?!
The one in which we discuss Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to understand the difference between true OCD, which is painful and life limiting, versus the usual obsessions or compulsions we all sometimes have.
The one in which we disconnect and try to take you with us on a journey to understand dissociation; another powerful play by our brains to protect ourselves from trauma.
The one in which we talk about the defense mechanism of Denial - how it serves us and how it doesn't.
The one in which we talk about the unrealistic goals of perfectionism and the struggles created by the impossible visions of being perfect.
Not everyone gets dementia, but it doesn't discriminate based upon gender, race, socio-economic status or political party.
We're back for Season 6 and we're starting with Narcissism. We're seeing so much of it these days. People talk about it, as they do about other mental illnesses, and often create stigma and misunderstandingsd that we hope to clarify. Calling everyone with positive self-esteem or a stron sense of self a narcissist can also dilute the actual difficulties narcissists both create and experience.
Continued review of how to reach out across great divides to talk to others and find some way to connect. It's too late for some things, but not others. Can we still find common ground?
The one in which we review helpful ways to communicate with others around topics you may want to influence them about. We still have to find a way to work together.
Another one in which we take a look at the Supremely Unethical activities of the Court.
Still offering previously recorded episodes. New material coming soon.
This one's still relevant though there's no mention of childless cat ladies which dates it a little bit.
The one in which we talk about how voter suppression takes place at polls around the country and some things to expect as voting day approaches.
The one in which we discuss all of the ways people try to intimidate people to impact the way they vote. This should be illegal - oh, yes ... it is!
The one in which we continue to revisit things we learned about voting and how our democracy works as we head into a very big election.
The one in which we try to explore the growing phenomenon of Angry White Men - who are they and what are they so angy about?
The one in which we review all the things we learned about Super PACs, finding that it's all relevant to the times in which we now find ourselves... again.
The one in which we look back at the mansplaining and white male takeover situation, and realize so much of this is even more true now than it was then (in 2020).
The one in which we revisit the meaning and history of Labor Day and the importance of the Labor movement for many of the advances in humane working conditions.
The one in which we shine the light into the dark places from where money flows into creating more darkness in our world. Let there be light!
The one in which we take a closer look at the many ways the rich get richer, and richer, and the rest of us tread water at best.
The one in which we explore(d) the current state of systemic racism as it plays out in our healthcare system even today.
The one in which we explore the seemingly all too popular term of gaslighting. It is often confused with lying, though it is a form of lying and manipulation. It is also a form of abuse. Listen in.
Listen again to the shameful and amazing history of the Underground Railroad and those who escaped to save their own lives and that of many others.
Revisting our spontaneous chat with Joyce E. Russell, RN, the mother of Assata Thomas, Director of the Institute for Community Justice. Assata’s mom accompanied her to our planned podcast session and sat in the waiting room while we talked to Assata about the social activism and justice work she is passionate about (you can hear the convo on our Prison Services and Reentry podcast). Afterward, we thought it would be nice to have Mom in the interview to talk for a few minutes about her daughter. Once we turned on the mic, we found out that Joyce has her own stories of social justice work having spent years as a nurse in a prison. She spoke about how the work changed her, and her ever-growing deep pride in her family which now has yet another generation of social justice warriors coming up.
Another podcast we're running again because it means so much to us. From their website: "LifeLines is a media and cultural project conducted in extensive, long-term collaboration with people serving Life Death By Incarceration (also known as Life Without Parole) sentences in Pennsylvania. The project uses interviews, visual art, creative media interventions, and sound installations to support the statewide campaign to abolish Death By Incarceration. We use the term “LifeLines” to refer to the fact that this project highlights the stories and analysis of those serving life/death sentences and to point toward the many collective relationships and infrastructures of support (familial, community, activist, and beyond) that are forged in resistance to mass imprisonment."
Learning about Juneteenth, which we should have known about all along, is so important that we're rerunning this one in advance of the upcoming holiday.
Originally aired in October 2020 to begin uncovering as much as we could about our truthful past with RedLining – a practice that purposely maintained segregation through discrimination in lending. We discuss its racist history, how it promoted both segregation and the wealth gap, and the continued forms it takes even today.
A couple of books we mentioned to learn more about RedLining:
Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
NationalFairHousing.org
The session (originally from Feb 2020) with L’Oréal McCollum in which we learn about Art with Impact (AWI), a nonprofit that uses film and theatre to encourage young people to explore mental health and wellness through art. L’Oreal is a Philadelphia based sexuality and mental health educator, a consultant, and an actress.
www.artwithimpact.org
The session, originally from February 2020, in which we talk to Norberto ‘Rob’ Rosa, who at the time was Associate Vice President of Operations at New Leash on Life USA. New Leash is a nonprofit prison-dog training program improving the lives of people in prison and saving the lives of dogs. In this program, incarcerated people are paired with rejected dogs for training, and end up improving each other’s lives in countless ways. New Leash believes that everyone deserves a second chance.
Surprise episode outlining some of the changes we'll be making for the rest of this season! Listen to find out.
The one in which we learn about the implications of the doctrine of Chevron Deference that came out of the case of Chevron v the Natural Resources Defense Council of 1984. This is relevant because of recent cases heard by the Supreme Court that seek to make changes or weaken Chevron Deference, and some of the important protections it offers.
The one in which we talk about things that encourage and motivate people to take part in our democratic system by voting. Also, why some may choose not to vote and what might inspire them to want to be involved.
The one in which we review some of the many things we have to look forward to If Trump Wins in November 2024.
The one in which we try to figure out why so many people would vote for a presidential candidate with many charges and indictments surrounding them.
The one in which we explore the complex relationship between women and soy and also, soy's many health benefits for most women.
The one in which we take a look at the falling (and failing) status of our democracy and what it means for our standing as a democratic superpower.
The one in which we explore the critical issue of our disappearing ground water and what we can do about it.
The one in which we discuss, once again, serious reasons for our deep disappointment with the Supreme Court.
The one in which we explore the ways we women are treated as second class and the need for women to support each other in the varying needs of all women (not just white women).
The one in which we discuss the serious disadvantages of what is called "Medicare Advantage." People think they have Medicare when they choose this option, but instead they are insured by private companies and can be at great disadvantage in their hours of need.
The one in which we discuss the choices we have in the final season of life ... when care becomes for comfort rather than for a cure.
The one in which we explore ethical non-monogamy, most specifically - polyamory
- the practice of engaging in multiple romantic (and typically sexual) relationships, with the consent of all the people involved - (from the Oxford dictionary)
The one in which we try to understand and explain why it's important to consider the effects of having our homes full of gas appliances and all the talk about our gas stoves needing to go.
The one in which we follow our curiosity to learn why and how it was that prisons came to be in the first place, and why it's so hard to influence change within the prison system.
The one in which we take a look, once again, at the many ways the supremely not supreme court has let us down, Supremely.
The one in which we try to answer the common question about whether children should be given gender affirming care at young ages. After reveiwing a lot of information on the subject we offer you a critical perspective on the importance of gender affirming care at any age.
The one in which we take a minute to acknowledge the people and their family members who spend their special holidays separated by prison bars, guards and strict rules.
The one in which we explore the trauma and challenges of raising a child born of sexual assault
The one in which we talk about how important water is to life. We cannot live without it. We have to protect it with our lives because in reality ... Water is Life.
The one in which we discover the hidden languages people have used for resistance and other important things throughout the ages (and even today).
The one in which we discuss how important it is to find common ground in order to get along, and potentially or possibly, even influence others in positive ways.
The one in which we talk about ways to connect with others and have a possible chance therefore to influence them in important ways.
The one in which we rant about the laws and restrictions, and even Supreme Court decisions that are not even thinly veiled attacks on women and women's rights.
The one in which we talk about witch hunts; the real searches for people labeled witches or accused of dabbling in witchcraft.
The one in which we tackle the pros and cons of gentrification. Revitalizing neighborhoods can be a positive thing but most of the time it is done without regard for its long term residents, which is very harmful both for them and for the rest of us.
The one in which we look in to some of the secrets of this society that is working (somewhat successfully) to take us back to a time we can never return to.
The one in which we try to determine the potential of artificial intelligence to use emotion programming to take over our jobs as psychologists. We conclude that it's not likely any time soon, though there's a lot of potential in emotion AI.
The one in which we review the egregious attack on women by our own Supreme Court, when they voted to reverse the federal rights of women decided 50 years ago in the case of Roe vs. Wade.
The one in which we take note of all the ways voting is being restricted and limited by those who want to control the outcome.
The one in which we explore the need for asylum states for our own citizens, and the narrow-minded and bigoted conditions in our country that are making this necessary!
The one in which we try to understand and explain how private money is being used to invest in and restructure private companies; and how many of those companies have not benefitted in the long run.
The one in which we uncover the reasons for Land Acknowledgements and why people, including have such mixed feelings about them.
The one in which we discover the environmental injustices that can be found everywhere but most especially in marginalized neighborhoods. In poor communities and communities of color, people are more exposed to toxins and less likely to have access to healthy foods, adequate transportation and safety.
The one in which we take a look at the way our need for more and more things is manufactured and sold to us.
The one in which we investigate concerns that there is anti-semitism buried in Vampire lore. We found it - not that deeply buried.
The one in which we take a purposeful look at the importance of purpose in all of our lives and how we find it - accidentally, or on purpose.
The one in which we discover, much to our dismay, that dangerous child labor practices are actually growing in the US.
With all of the talk about Grand Jury indictments lately, this is the one in which we looked into what that actually means. In this episode we talk about what Grand Juries are and what they do.
The one in which we explore how the food we eat affects our carbon footprint, and therefore the environment.
The one in which we go back to the origins of our current policing system to try to understand the embedded racism and ideas for a system that truly protects the safety of everyone.
The one in which we learn about the many things our gut takes care of and why it's now frequently referred to as our second brain. Who knew?
The one in which we take a look at the many ways people with privilege, especially white people in our society, use it to hurt others rather than to help them. There are lots of good things to do with the privilege you have; and lots of harm can come of using it against others.
The one in which we dive into the issue of literal deaths by traffic stop; as in how many people end up dead after being stopped for sometimes minor traffic violations. What is going on?!
The one in which we say gay and trans several times and discuss why so many people have such a hard time saying those words that they don't want anyone to be allowed to utter them?!
The one in which we talk about what real American families are doing - how they're growing, living, and getting along...or not.
The one in which we try to understand the issues and debates that go on around the debt ceiling and what it could mean for our country and its citizens (all of us).
The one in which we discuss that particular form of abuse and manipulation known as brainwashing and how it influences people in different life situations.
The one in which we review the current information about people's varying susceptibility to COVID and it's various forms. Conclusion: Vax, mask, test.
The one in which we talk about the vegan option and how it can be a really healthy one for people who choose it.
The one in which we delve into the monopoly of the publishing empire and its impact on what books and authors and ideas we get to read.
The one in which we explore the way workers are treated in the garment industry - people who make the clothes we wear often work in unfair and sometimes inhumane conditions.
The one in which we explore the many ways that fake news has infiltrated our world and how to inoculate ourselves against it.
The one in which we explore the many ways people are trying to censor education and learning for all of us, especially our youth.
The one in which we talk about the 5 important rights given to us in the First Amendment to the Constitution, as we highlight Free Speech.
The one in which we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Medicaid and why it matters.
The one in which we fantasize about women being given amazing abilities after they receive replacement knees, hips, ankles and other parts. Really, we're just grateful that people can be more active at all ages than they could be in the past and ... we leave it there.
The one in which we explore options for finding long term partnerships and other great relationships online.
The one in which we rant about the recent, under the radar, ruling by the Supreme Court affecting abiilty of someone to seek recourse if they are not read their Miranda Rights and what that means for the integrity of said 'rights.'
The one in which we delve into issues around voter and poll worker intimidation at polling places.
The one in which we dive into creative (and not so creative) ways to create true homes for people living without one.
The one in which we speak about using immigrants, asylum seekers or any other group of humans as a political stunt.
The one in which we explore the relationship between climate change and recent weather patterns.
The one in which we look back at the recent times of change, uncertainty and instability. We look to find ways to embrace it all as we move forward into the New Year.
The one in which we talk about inappropriate ways of imitating, borrowing from, and talkng about other cultures or groups of people.
The one in which we explore AntiSemitism and its relationship to other forms of bigotry, racism, and hate.
The one in which we begin to discuss ways we need to prepare for pandemics in the future so that we don't end up scrambling the way we did when COVID-19 first hit. Even though we're still in the COVID pandemic, there are lessons to be learned to be and stay prepared.
The one in which we learn about the rights of refugees and what becomes of people fleeing their homes for safety, or other reasons.
The one in which we take a closer look at why we were short on baby formula and how it relates to corporate greed and overall food insecurity.
The one in which we talk about gaslighting and the very harmful psychological impact it has on its targets.
The one in which we take a look at the growing food insecurity around the world, and question once again, why does this exist in a country - in a world - where there really is enough food to food everyone. So much waste!
The one in which we talk about how the courts have been loaded with biased judges, and potential ways to balance them out.
The one in which we explore what sedition actually is and it keeps leading us to January 6, 2020.
The one in which we discuss the inequities in prenatal and neonatal care. The impact on mother and child mortality and health through the lifespan cannot be overestimated and needs an overhaul. Have a listen.
The one in which we discuss an important plan for those who have unprotected sex and want to make sure they don't get pregnant.
The one in which we talk about the many ways that mental illness and mental health are seen and treated in this country.
This is the first episode of season 5!!
And, it's the one in which we check out the status of our democracy. Hint: it's not good.
FYI - When you listen to this one (and future season 5 episodes), you'll hear our new music which is called Cheerfulness and it's by Reveille. We purchased a license to use it on Soundstripe, in case you're interested in where to find such things.
The one in which we discuss the disturbing increase in road rage incidence, particularly ones that end in death. So not worth it to get into a life threatening hassle with a random person on the road.
The one in which we follow up the episode on managing our fear with this episode on finding hope. Finding hope is one way to manage fears. Just like looking for the helpers; it's always important to find the hope.
The one in which we talk about how to manage our fear, given all of the scary stuff going on in the world around us such as political polarization, COVID, monkeypox, racial trauma, climate change, and Roe v Wade being overturned.
The one in which we talk about the state and fate of same-sex marriage, 8 years after it was finally fully recognized as a right. Verdict: Love wins.
The one in which we discuss the disturbing trend of the majority of Americans being ruled by a minority: a minority of mostly older, Christian, straight, white cis-men.
The one in which we explore what we can do about gun safety and reform, when the NRA is so powerful.
The one in which we explore all the ways our fair and safe elections are under attack .
This is also our 200th episode!!
It's us - the Shrinks - but After Hours as always on the last Tuesday of the month. A few weeks ago we talked about Society's weight obsession. In this episode we're kicking back and talking about how society's obsession translates into a personal obsession with weight for many of us, especially women.
The one in which we talk about the real costs of going solar and whether it's affordable to people who may not be able to get solar panels to help save the environment if they don't help save some personal money as well.
The one in which we talk about the newest Supreme Court Justice and what we hope she'll be bringing to the court.
A re-release of the suprisingly very popular one in which we offer 3 minutes tips on dealing with some of life's everyday issues such as walking into a party, organizing a closet, or dealing with criticism.
It's the last Tuesday of the month and we're getting just a bit more casual to talk about bullying in America. It's a huge problem and you don't have to a pscyhologist to know it has to be addressed.
The one in which we talk about the very real possibility that Roe v Wade could be overturned. Legislators on all sides are preparing for the potential breakdown of this crucial healthcare right. New bans and ways to promote or stop them are being pushed and passed as we write this.
This one's a timely re-issue of an important episode we recorded before COVID when we used to have Feminist Brunches in real life. At this brunch, we spoke with Taylor Austin of The Women's Centers about the importance of reproductive rights and access. Learn with us.
The one in which we take a look at what happens After War. People are resilient and do build back, though families, communities, and all aspect of lives are lost and shattered in the process. Is it ever worth it?
Every month, on the last Tuesday, we do an episode we call Shrinks After Hours. It's us Shrinks, talking After Hours - a little more relaxed, a little more personal. This week we take a look at Society's obsession with weight and how that impacts body image, self-esteem, and people's relationship to food and eating.
The one in which we dive into the pay to stay policies that further the injustices perpetuated on incarcerated people by our system.
The one in which we take a closer look at what kind of people are likely to become dictators, why we promote them and how they can be stopped.
The one in which we focus on the destructive health costs of loneliness. This includes the toll loneliness and lack of social connection take on our physical and mental health, especially as we age.
The one in which we talk about the Kensington area of Philadelphia and how it became one of the largest drug hubs in America. Also, what can be done about it.
It's that time After Hours when the Shrinks kick back and get a little more causal - talking about issues that sometimes hit closer to home. What do we do when we age? Where do we want to be and who will care?
The one in which we talk about the pandemic of domestic violence that has increased within the COVID-19 pandemic.
The one in which we talk about the split(s) in our economy between the haves and the have-nots. Chasms that seems to be growing larger with little justice sight.
The one in which we explore the Great Resignation, aka the Big Quit. Masses of people are reportedly leaving their jobs and not looking back; we wanted to know why.
In this session of Shrinks After Hours, we discuss the distorted ways we see ourselves - the background, the impact, and what we can do about it.
The one in which we talk about gambling and bitcoin. We look into the psychological impact of gambling and when playing with money becomes an addiction.
The one in which we unpack the Filibuster. There was recently a lot of talk about changing or even getting rid of the filibuster. in this session we talk about what the filibuster is and why it needs changing.
The one in which we break down the work of Political Action Committees to help us more easily understand what they are and how they influence politics and elections.
The one in which we talk about how important it is to get away from our dependence on fossil fuels and move toward clean green energy. We also talk about the great resistance to doing what's needed in this regard.
On this last Tuesday of the month, we're talking After Hours about how burned out we all are from this whole pandemic thing. And, how important it is to keep going and keep up the suggested health protocols and guidelines anyway.
The one in which we discuss another co-occuring health crisis with which we are all dealing during this global pandemic: COVID and shootings.
The one in which we further explore psychology's apology through the American Psychological Association. This includes the ways in which psychology, and we as part of the profession, contributed to systemic racism and ways we seek to change it.
The one in which we share the American Psychological Association's recent apology for the racism the field of psychology has been a part of and has contributed to. As psychologists, we share in the wrongdoings and the responsiblity to make it right.
In this session of Shrinks After Hours, our last Tuesday of the month feature, we chat about Pet Adoption. Specifically, the rise in adoptions since the beginning of the Pandemic and how we (and our loving pets) are doing.
The one in which we explore how to figure out the best ways to donate your hard earned money for the most impact.
The one in which we chat about our growth as feminists and the importance of intersectional feminism versus the feminism in which we grew up. Feminism has to be fully inclusive and we cannot assume that all women face the same struggles and have the same needs. We have to go much deeper and do much better.
The one in which we take a closer look at the hard work and great expectations of First Ladies. The women behind some of the most powerful people in the world hold a lot of influence and power of their own.
It's the last Tuesday of the month and in this episode we chat about maintaining some balance and lowering stress through mindfulness. It may be harder than ever to maintain a healthy life-work-stress balance during this pandemic but we're talking about how we can do the best we can and make some real progress in this regard.
The one in which we learn about the way in which money is used to influence our vote and political outcomes.
The one in which we talk about the beginnings of the Supreme Court and the growing lack of faith in its ability to be objective or fair.
The one in which we explore how to create real change. What will it take to actually change the world?
A Shrinks After Hours episode (last Tuesday of the month) in which we talk about the mass trauma effect of the pandemic and its consequences.
The one in which we discuss the Green Book - not the movie, the actual book, written by Victor Hugo Green to help Black people travel safely throughout the United States and beyond. Yes, it was a real book and sadly it was very much needed.
The one in which we explore modern day slavery including all types of oppressive situations made by force or deception. Rather than being over, slavery is going strong and represents big business around the world and right here in the United States.
The one in which we talk about the need to seriously talk about the debt we owe to Black and Indigenous people. How can we ever repair at least some of the harm that was inflicted upon them? Let's talk.
The one in which we discuss the inseparable way that Capitalism and Racism are joined together. Their union makes a system that is already based on inequality even more inequitable.
It's the last episode of the month and we're just talking After Hours about things we Shrinks think about after hours. Today's topic is bias in mental health treatment. We've talked about bias in diagnosis and this is related because if the initial way of looking at a person or their struggles is biased, the whole course of treatment can be biased as well. Have a listen.
The one in which we speak with Noah Adams about his advocacy and research related to people who are both transgender and autistic, like him. Noah is a PhD student at the University of Toronto and, along with coauthor Bridget Liang, wrote a book based on interviews entitled, Trans and Autistic: Stories from Life at the Intersection (Jessica Kingsley, July 2020).
The one in which we discuss the brave and creative network of people and places that made freedom possible for thousands of enslaved people from the Southern U.S. How much do you know about the Underground Railroad? (Hint: we're not talking about the subway or the metro).
The one in which we discuss religious freedom - they way it's supposed to be and whether or not we actually have it. Where is the separation between church and state?
It's the last Tuesday of the month! We're kicking back, After Hours, to discuss how implicit bias and diagnoses can affect the course of therapy along with ongoing mental health treatment and outcomes.
The one in which we talk about taking over the world. Specifically, how the United States has been a part of the competition to own as much of the world as possible, and what that looks like.
The one in which we talk about the irrational fear and hatred of Muslim people and the religion of Islam.
It's the last Tuesday of the month which means it's time for Shrinks After Hours! That's us Shrinks (Julie Mayer and Cindy Ariel), chatting After Hours about things we believe are important to chat about. In this After Hours episode we're chatting about what re-imagined community safety could look like. Join us as we re-think and re-imagine policing and public safety.
The one in which we learn about the great sacrifices Black people have made fighting in all major wars for the United States, and the thanks they got for it.
The one in which we explore what a matriarchal society might look like. We also take a look at how the patriarchy showed up and dismantled some of the First People's successful matriarchal/matrilineal organizational systems.
The one in which we explore what critical race theory actually is and why it's at the center of so much controversy right now.
It's time for our monthly After Hours conversation! This month we talk about how to talk to conspiracy theorists or people with cult-like beliefs.
The one in which we talk about why it's a better idea to find a different party theme than Antebellum or a different celebration venue than a plantation. There's a horrid past behind that beautiful landscape.
The one in which we talk about the fate of unaccompanied youth who make the treacherous journey to our southern border. Most are fleeing unimaginable circumstances in their countries of origin and are seeking asylum here; most have families with whom they seek to reunite. They make a dangerous journey, often alone and scared, and with no safe alternative.
Update: Since we recorded this episode promises have been broken and many many children are being immediately sent away when they arrive at the the border.
The one in which we talk about the hypocrisy of celebrating July 4th as Independence Day when so many of us are not free. Whose freedom and independence do we celebrate?
It's the last Tuesday of the month and we are talking, After Hours, about how we think racists are born. Hint: It has nothing to do with nature.
The one in which we talk about the version of history that we learn about Native Americans versus the one we never heard of. This includes the fact that many of the names we know the First People by are not the names they call themselves, and are often even derogatory. The things we must unlearn and learn are deep.
The one in which we talk about the significance of the Southern Black Belt and where it stands today. The Black Belt is a very large stretch of land in the South that once brought great wealth to plantation owners there, and also brought many enslaved people to work the land to grow that wealth. Now many formerly enslaved people live there in poverty.
The one in which we talk about the critical importance and significance of Juneteenth - June 19th and why it is worth celebrating!
The one in which we talk about one of the most well known of the white supremacist hate groups in America.
The one in which we are just chatting, After Hours, about lies and fake news. How are some people so susceptible to believing "alternative facts"?!
The one in which we talk about the evolution of Memorial Day, including the suppression of the important part former enslaved people played in its creation.
The one in which we talk about the significance of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama; the bridge that John Lewis and many many others marched across and nearly died upon.
The one in which we talk about the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its powerful influence in the US.
In this Shrinks After Hours, we take a look at our expectations of leadership and some of the many bizarre behaviors that are sometimes tolerated.
The one in which we talk about the real reasons behind the Minimum Wage and who stands to benefit the most from the way it is structured.
The one in which we discuss the COVID Vaccine rollout and some highlighted racial inequities that we've seen.
With the impending tax deadline, taxes were on our minds. So, we decided to look into the systems of taxation and begin to explore racism within. We knew we'd find racism there; and we did.
In this Shrinks After Hours episode, we chat about how we feel about having a woman in high office. Whether this would happen in our lifetime was questionable at many points, yet... here we are with a woman Vice President of the U.S.
The one in which we explore the sexist, racist, patriarchal beginnings of the institution of marriage and how it has changed over the years; or has it?
The one in which we explore two of the most popular, and controversial, monuments in the U.S: Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain Park, Georgia.
The one in which we talk about the Black Panther Party (originally the Black Panther Party for Self Defense). We wade through all of the stereotypes to try to truly understand this critical Black Power movement.
The one in which we talk about insurrections - what they are and how they come and go. We attempt to understand the events of January 6, 2021 at the US Capitol building and what brought us to this place in history.
The one in which we talk After Hours about how our whiteness and our privilege makes us blind to much that goes on around us - what we are learning about it, and what we are doing about it.
Turns out that despite the old cliche, what we don't know (or can't see) really can hurt us (and others).
The one in which we discuss the recently released book that Julie and her husband, Barry Jacobs, PsyD wrote for the AARP entitled Love and Meaning after 50: The Ten Challenges to Great Relationships and How to Overcome Them.
This was a fun and informative discussion including the authors' relationship advice based on years of clinical work, personal experience and research. Check for the book wherever you usually buy great books! You can also find out more on their book site and buy the book there.
loveandmeaning.com
The one in which we speak with Tamara T. Waraschinski, PhD, about Radical Death Studies. Dr. Waraschinski is Director of Communications for the Collective for Radical Death Studies and helped us round out our understanding of the racism and imperialism inherent in death practice and the need for sweeping changes.
radicaldeathstudies.com
The one in which we explore DeathCare and find racism in all aspects. With so many people succumbing to the novel coronavirus, death has been on our minds. We decided to see if even death includes racism, and indeed - it profoundly does. As if you can tell what color someone was once they die and move on. As if it even matters if you could.
This month we talk After Hours about our feelings, ideas and perceptions regarding angry white men. What makes them feel entitled to control others, where do they come from, and why do they hate?
The one in which we talk about the Electoral College - why it was created and why it is used to elect the US President instead of the popular vote. The Electoral College was originally a compromise made by the founders between those who believed the POTUS should be elected by popular democratic vote and those who believed strongly that Congress should choose. Who do you think should choose?
The one in which we talk about some of our dark history including the symbols of racism and slavery that haunt us to this day.
The one in which we talk about what happens to migrants who risk everything for a better life and end up dying on their journey. Who cares for or about them?
The one in which we take time to look back at the year many of us just lived through, mourn those of us who didn't live through it, and try to look ahead to 2021.
The one in which of not having a government that dictates what we may or may not believe and how we choose to worship and pray, or not to do so. Many people fled to the US to avoid or escape religious persecution. This week we talk about the need to maintain protections for religious freedom and to keep religion out of government legislation.
The one in which we talk to Ayo Akindumila, LMFT about athletes and their mental health. Ayo is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with people coping with stressful transitions. She specializes in working with people dealing with sport related transitions.
The session in which we talk about the serious health disparities caused by racism. There is a long history in our country of inequality in healthcare and Black, Indigenous and People of Color in the US are still more likely to be negatively impacted by many contributing factors including provider bias, unequal access, quality of living and other factors.
The session in which we talk about the African American cultural explosion that centered in Harlem, New York beginning in the 1920's. Intellectuals, artists, musicians, writers, and others migrated toward freedom. The result was a celebration of Black pride that offered a deeper awareness and appreciation of the richness, growth, and oppression of African American spirit and culture.
The session in which we discuss the real history and meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The session in which we discuss the current Housing Crisis with Occupy PHA organizer, Nadera Hood. Nadera has been advocating for the needs of people without homes for the past several years. She has organized successful protests urging the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to provide more adequate housing to people who need homes in the area.
The session in which we learn together about what happened to the area in Oklahoma that became known as Black Wall Street. If you don't know, it was the Tulsa Race Massacre - when Black residents and business owners were viciously attacked by an angry white mob. We only heard of it recently and indirectly when a political rally was being planned to take place in Tulsa on the anniversary of this horrendous event. Doing some research, we found that even the Oklahoma educational curriculum did not include this as part of history. Nobody wanted to talk about it or have it be known. We're doing our part to change that.
tulsahistory.org
If you know about the Freedom Riders, then you know that this episode is about an important model for civil disobedience. The Freedom Riders were activists, including the late Representative John Lewis, who challenged the segregation (and non-enforcement of laws) on the U.S. interstate transportation system. This is a critical story in our history from which we can continue to learn. Take notes.
There are may ways - old and new, legal and illegal - to interfere with the right of people to cast their vote. How can voting be suppressed? Let us count the ways. And, let us take serious action against all forms of voter suppression.
The session in which we explore the history of blackface. We talk about its origins, how it developed over time, and why it's offensive. Blackface brings up a very disrespectful, demeaning racist societal history. We learned how insidiously such things were a part of our upbringing and it's part of the racism we are rooting out and working against.
Who comes first to your mind when you think about African American tennis players? There are several we all know now including Serena and Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, and Frances Tiafoe to name a few. Many people think first of Arthur Ashe who was the only Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. But it was Althea Gibson, the tennis legend, who broke the racial barrier in the sport as the first ever African American to win a Grand Slam title. She was an amazing athlete and in this session we highlight her accomplishments as we consider the importance of representation, acknowledgment, and appreciation in sports, as in all things.
We begin our 3rd season journey into learning and uncovering as much as we can about our truthful past with RedLining - a practice that purposely maintained segregation through discrimination in lending. We discuss its racist history, how it promoted both segregation and the wealth gap, and the continued forms it takes even today.
A couple of books we mentioned to learn more about RedLining:
Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
NationalFairHousing.org
Just us Shrinks having an After Hours discussion about the lack of actual American History in our prior education - trying to come to terms with our whitewashed understanding of so many things, on so many levels.
The session in which we speak once again with Nurah Muhammad (shrinksonthird.com/actionism-sister-nurah-muhammad), who lives and works in Camden, NJ. For this session we reached out to get Sister Nurah's take on the changes in the Camden Police Department, recently touted as a successful model of community policing. She offered her perspective on what's working, what isn't, and what still needs improvement.
As we bring our 2nd year of podcasting to a close and begin a new 'season' we think about hope and try to find it to begin our 3rd year. In this session we explore hopefulness: where we look for and find it, how we highlight it, and how to share it. It's been a rough year - we're hopeful the next one will be better.
The session in which we discuss the increasing amount that political thoughts and concerns have permeated therapy sessions since 2016. In the past, politics did not enter therapy in the same ways that it seems to now. In this session, we talk about politics in therapy and how it has changed the way we manage our therapeutic relationships.
The session in which we speak with Dr. Phil Fizur, a clinical psychologist in the department of Behavioral Medicine at Cooper University Healthcare in Camden, NJ. Dr. Fizur's day-to-day work involves patient care at Cooper's Urban Health Institute, focusing on providing healthcare to Camden's underserved populations. In addition, since the pandemic hit, he is also dealing with the traumatic impact of COVID19 on patients and providers.
We haven't been in person together in almost 6 months now and the title of this Shrinks After Hours episode perhaps, in part, reflects that fact. Loneliness is experienced very differently by different people and in this particular episode we were reflecting upon that with Allison Gibbs, LCSW, of Therapy Concierge, LLC.
Not too many bonuses in 2020 but here's one! We talked to Director of the Philadelphia Storytelling Project, Mark Lyons, on this week's main episode. He mentioned a book he helped to edit and translate by a young woman who fled alone to the United States when she was 14. In this bonus episode, Mark reads a powerful excerpt from the book, Dreams and Nightmares/Sueños y Pesadillas by Liliana Velásquez.
The session in which we talk to Mark Lyons about the power of stories to create social change. As an author, and director of the Philadelphia Storytelling Project, Mark has worked with youth and adults to create audio stories about their lives. He has worked with inner-city youth using audio stories to improve literacy; with immigrants to document their dreams, barriers and determination, and with veterans who have found a way out of homelessness.
The session in which we meet Samuel Reed III, aka Reed, and Ismael Jimenez to talk about education activism and teacherpreneurship. Reed and Ismael are two passionate and dedicated educators who are core members of the Teacher Action Group (tagphilly.org). Ismael recently spearheaded the founding of the Philly Hub for Liberatory Academics (phlaed.org) while Reed currently focuses most on being a teacherpreneur and helping to promote economic and financial empowerment. Both believe in education as a tool of social change and liberation.
The session in which we spoke with Marion Hamermesh about her participation in the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, an organization working to build relationships between Muslim and Jewish women. We focused our discussion on a 'Building Bridges' trip some of the Sisterhood went on in January 2020. A group of 48 Muslim and Jewish women from all across the United States traveled to the U.S./Mexican border in Arizona.
The bonding and learning was deep and heartfelt for all of the participants. In addition to each woman's personal moral compass, they were following respective Islamic and Jewish text (from their website):
“You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus, 23:9)
“The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection.’” (Muslim 2578)
Learn more at sosspeace.org
An After Hours session with Allison Gibbs, LCSW (Therapy Concierge, LLC) focusing on the Coronavirus health disparities highlighted in the news. We first debunk a very offensive and baseless idea that this is because of some biological predisposition to the novel coronavirus among Black people, and talked more sanely about why these inequities truly exist and why we're seeing them right now. Not the most lighthearted of our After Hours conversations, but it's always a positive experience to open up in heartfelt dialog with Allison.
The session in which we chat with Cornelia Poku, Communications professional by day - foodie/food blogger the rest of the time. We talked about food blogging, relationships, and race.
We spoke with Cornelia in DC on the first weekend in March 2020, right before things totally shut down. The day we met, elbow bumps were the recommended greeting and after the interview we thought maybe we shouldn't, but we hugged each other anyway. Cornelia is the last person, outside of immediate family members that we hugged.
Once things shut down, we asked Cornelia for an update. Her update: (on audio) Hey everyone, the time we're in is insane and we all feel helpless. But I'm always looking for things I can do to make some difference. I'm blessed to still be working and definitely trying to give whenever I can. I have also been patronizing small businesses and working with local restaurants to share their special offers to my audience. Hope you're safe, enjoy the episode.
The session in which we speak with Kimberly McGlonn, Ph.D. about her brand, Grant Blvd and the ways she works to challenge economic injustice and marginalization. Dr. McGlonn launched Grant Blvd - named for the Milwaukee street where she grew up - as a sustainable design brand creating pathways to employment for people with a history of incarceration. All of their original and stylish garments are made from reclaimed fabrics, and through her brand, Kimberly works to advance the collective good of both people and the planet.
You can learn more on her website; you can also shop there! Fyi - they're also making and selling masks right now.
www.grantblvd.com
The session in which we spoke with Selena Alonzo, J.D. a public defender in Maryland. Selena is a Mexican-American and was strongly influenced by her family experience of having several of the most important men in her life (grandfather, uncles, cousin) incarcerated for various reasons. Selena holds deep knowledge of the effects of incarceration on people and their families. Knowing that the truest solution will be systemic change in our criminal justice system, Selena uses her law degree to work within the system to help change a potentially negatively spiraling life course for people as best she can.
We spoke with Selena just as the pandemic began to shut down the nation and asked for an update - this update also needs an update as we received it on March 25, 2020 but is interesting nonetheless:
It’s incredible how much everything has changed. I never realized how much I took for granted before… I’ve been working remotely since 3/13. All of the cases I had set have been postponed until May. As of right now, the only thing we are able to do is file bond review motions to get our clients who are detained pre-trial out of jail. The majority of Assistant State Attorneys are opposing our bond review motions and are trying to keep people in jail. They are willing to release clients if they plead guilty to something but that is incredibly coercive given that we have no way of conveying any plea offers to our clients. We still have to go into the jails to interview clients which is a risk to both us and a bigger risk for our incarcerated clients because we could be silent carriers. I’m really hoping they figure out a way for us to interview clients over the phone soon… A small bright spot has been that police are arresting far less people. On an average bonds docket, I would have 15-20 people. Yesterday, I only had 4. Maybe after this cops will realize they don’t need to arrest every single person for “crimes” like disorderly or obstructing and hindering. SA
The After Hours session in which we chat with Allison Gibbs of Therapy Concierge, LLC about taking care of self during the days of COVID-19. It's both the same and different from typical self-care.
We recorded this episode together when we were still adjusting to being in COVID quarantine. We previously recorded a self-care episode but decided to do another one, since trying to adjust to self-care in isolation seemed to add a new dimension to previous levels of self-care.
So much has happened since then! Self-care is crucial right now. And if you have the emotional, physical, or financial resources to take care of others, then do that too!
The session in which we talk with Cheri Honkala, co-founder of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC). Cheri was removed from her Mother's home as a girl and raised in foster care. She later attended college and had a child of her own. After experiencing homelessness as a single mom due to unfortunate circumstances, Honkala realized her Mother was not 'bad' after all; She was struggling in a society that offered no resources. Cheri has been organizing poor and homeless people for over 30 years and is now a General in the Poor People's Army.
economichumanrights.org
poorpeoplesarmy.com
The session in which we chat with 3 passionate team members from the North Philadelphia Peace Park. The NPPP is a charitable eco-campus providing free education, health & wellness, and produce programs to the Philadelphia Community. We chatted with Nyasha Felder, Li Sumpter, and Bird - each bringing different knowledge, skill, and perspective to their volunteer work at the NPPP.
phillypeacepark.org
The Peace Park has recently launched a project campaign to get their planned Peace Pavilion completed. To learn about it and donate please visit: https://ioby.org/project/north-philly-peace-park-peace-pavillion-project
In this session, we devote our podcast to things we can do to promote racial justice. We also made the following commitment based upon a campaign crafted by Tangia Al-Awaji Estrada of the WOC Podcasters Community which is led by Danielle Desir:
"We are podcasters united to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and many many others at the hands of police. This is a continuation of the systemic racism pervasive in our country since its inception and we are committed to standing against racism in all its forms.
We believe that to be silent is to be complicit.
We believe that Black lives matter.
We believe that Black lives are more important than property.
We believe that we have a responsibility to use our platforms to speak out against this injustice whenever and wherever we are witness to it.
In creating digital media we have built audiences that return week after week to hear our voices and we will use our voices to speak against anti-blackness and police brutality, and we encourage our audiences to be educated, engaged, and to take action."
Thank you Tangia and WOC Podcasters. We stand with you.
Shrinks After Hours talking about the way men have pushed to define the standards of beauty that women try to live up to. Why?!
Ugh, that male gaze - looking to make women sexual objects for hetero-male pleasure.
The session in which we chat with Janet Tran about her experience as a minority woman in STEM. We encourage women to go into the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math but how are we helping them to navigate the challenges they face?!
The session in which we ponder the question - Will any good come of this pandemic? Feeling optimistic today.
The session in which we chat with Brandy Ryan,JD, staff attorney at the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty in Washington, DC. Brandy is a strong advocate for people experiencing homelessness and her work focuses right now on homelessness and education. Nobody should have to live without a home to live in. There's just no place like a home.
Check out the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty nlchp.org. According to the website:
"Given close quarters, compromised immune systems, and an aging population, people experiencing homelessness are exceptionally vulnerable to communicable diseases, not excluding the current outbreak of coronavirus, COVID-19"
You can read more about the impact of coronavirus on homelessness at nlchp.org.
In this session, we share thoughts about grief and loss with our colleague Allison Gibbs, LCSW of therapyconciergellc.com. Typically our 'After Hours' conversations are somewhat lighthearted, but not so much with this one. It was pre-pandemic though coronavirus was 'in the air' so to speak and perhaps on our minds.
The session in which we talk about how we're all doing our best to shelter-in-place and make it work. Many of us are struggling and through the struggle we're finding creative ways to make it through. Sometimes, hearing an idea that resonates in some way can help in our own struggle to get through this tough time.
The session in which we chat with LaChan and Michael Hannon about race, education, and parent-teacher involvement.
LaChan V. Hannon is a culturally responsive teacher leader and educator. She is a PhD student researching culturally responsive school practices with particular attention to parent engagement. LaChan has published articles and chapters in academic texts including: International Handbook of Self-Study of Teaching and Teacher Education Practices and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Dr. Michael Hannon is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Montclair State University. His work has been featured in various media outlets and organizations including Autism Speaks, Thrive Global, Fusion, Huffington Post, and WURD 900AM. His forthcoming book, Black Fathering and Mental Health: Black Fathers Discuss the Needs of Men and Fathers Across the Family Life Cycle, will be published by Peter Lang in September 2020.
Together, LaChan and Michael developed the nonprofit organization, Greater Expectations Teaching and Advocacy Center for Childhood Disabilities, Inc. GETAC is dedicated to providing support resources to families and children living with developmental disabilities and the professionals who serve them.
www.getac.org
UPDATE from Dr. Michael Hannon: "The pandemic has required our family to remember how important it is to be flexible, while attending to the norms that keep us balanced. Some of us like isolation at times; some of us need more frequent interaction. Thankfully, we have shared language (verbal and nonverbal) that provides cues and instructions about what we need. For example, school means something different for each of the children. One really enjoys the social interaction, the other appreciates the opportunity for distance learning. I realize, though, that school gives the kids space and permission to be, do, and say things differently than they might in my company. For me, that translates into allowing them some uninterrupted time to connect with friends virtually while trying not to be overbearing. Yesterday, I found out that my son was participating in a social media "push up" challenge. It caught me by surprise at first. After talking with LaChan, she reminded me - "He NEEDS those interactions!" It's also been important for us to show each other patience, gratitude, and to expect some bumps along the way. We are realizing what works one day or week may not work the next day or week (or even hour!). Leaving room and granting permission to equally share laughs and frustrations, I think, will continue to be really important. At the end of the day, I'm grateful we have each other. We are healthy and we are together, which is plenty for which to be thankful." ___________________________________________
The session in which we (Cindy and Julie) move to remote podcast recording as we adapt to current obstacles and needs. We discussed the many ways we've been adjusting to changes we now face day to day. As we moved to shelter-in-place, we experienced many different emotions and numerous situational challenges. We've also been working with people from many walks of life, all of us learning to adjust to new ways of being that none of us have chosen.
In this Shrinks After Hours session, we chat with Allison Gibbs, LCSW of Therapy Concierge, LLC and Holly Sawyer, PhD, of Life First Therapy, LLC about the importance of taking time for self-care. It was pre-recorded before we were all sheltering-in-place so not all of it may apply to today though much of it can still be helpful. We'll be doing an update to talk about what self care looks like during a pandemic, but in the meantime, this session might offer some insights.
We explored our personal definitions of self-care, what keeps people from taking care of themselves, and what happens when they don't. Listen in when you can - Maybe you'll get some good ideas for your own self-care. We hope you do.
The session in which we chat with LaChan V Hannon about mothering her two children and helping them learn to navigate white spaces, such as school and the classroom.
LaChan is the School of Education Certification Officer at The College of New Jersey and Executive Director of Greater Expectations Teaching and Advocacy Center. She is a PhD candidate in teacher education and teacher development at Montclair State University. Her scholarly work focuses on the intersectionality of race, disability and parent involvement. Her TEDx Talk entitled Young, Gifted & Black with Autism was released in 2016.
PostScript: We held our podcast interview with LaChan before the coronavirus took hold here this Spring. Recently, we asked her for an update regarding some of her thoughts at this time. She told us this:
"Just as there is nothing predictable about what is happening right now in society, there is nothing predictable about Black mothering during a quarantine. My daughter loves online instruction and my son, with Autism, misses his friends and being at school. We are all creating a NEW normal both for schooling as well as daily life co-habitating. Daily check-ins are absolutely necessary to get a pulse on what we are all all experiencing. Now more than ever, it is important for us to hold fast to our family beliefs which are (1) we are in community with one another and have an obligation to each other, (2) we honor our word and do what we said we would do, and (3) we all make mistakes and can ask for forgiveness"
The session in which we had a spontaneous chat with Joyce E. Russell, RN, the mother of Assata Thomas, Director of the Institute for Community Justice. Assata's mom accompanied her to our planned podcast session and sat in the waiting room while we talked to Assata about the social activism and justice work she is passionate about (you can hear the convo on our Prison Services and Reentry podcast). Afterward, we thought it would be nice to have Mom in the interview to talk for a few minutes about her daughter. Once we turned on the mic, we found out that Joyce has her own stories of social justice work having spent years as a nurse in a prison. She spoke about how the work changed her, and her ever-growing deep pride in her family which now has yet another generation of social justice warriors coming up.